Filing Changes Worth Knowing This Year

Court processes change quietly, and the changes can move your timeline. These are plain-language notes on what is different this year. This is information, not legal advice.

Electronic filing is expanding

More counties now require family law filings to go through their e-filing portal. If you are self-represented, look for the self-help center link on your county court's site, because most portals have a separate path for people without attorneys.

Parenting class requirements shifted

Several states updated which co-parenting classes satisfy the court requirement and added online options. Check the current approved list before paying for a class, since certificates from unapproved providers get rejected.

Fee waivers got simpler in some states

The income thresholds and forms for filing fee waivers were updated in a handful of states this year. If cost is a barrier to filing, ask the clerk about a fee waiver before you put it off.

Ask your attorney or your county clerk what applies where you live, because all of this varies by state and county.